Ketill Posted October 10, 2009 Share Posted October 10, 2009 A few years ago, a friend of mine urged me to read the novel The Secret History by Donna Tartt. I was compelled by this book and the dept of its characters, but since then I have not found another novel that could live up to this personal reading experience. Even if you have not read this book, you might help me if you know anything that portrays complex (and maybe very negative) emotions between several close characters. Have you ever read anything that might fit this description? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BookJumper Posted October 10, 2009 Share Posted October 10, 2009 Even if you have not read this book, you might help me if you know anything that portrays complex (and maybe very negative) emotions between several close characters. Have you ever read anything that might fit this description? Indeed I have not read The Secret History (yet; I fully intend to), however Evelyn Waughn (sp?)'s Brideshead Revisited seems to me to fit your description as a glove does a hand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrissy Posted October 10, 2009 Share Posted October 10, 2009 Linda Gillard's 'A Lifetime Burning'. I could not recommend this complex, thought provoking and emotionally challenging book enough. Linda's books all pack a punch, but I think this one is more what you are looking for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sadya Posted March 5, 2014 Share Posted March 5, 2014 (edited) A very late reply, but I'm reading this book now. Enjoying it so far. It's a book which takes it time to tell a story, could have been easily boring, but the story telling of Tartt is marvelous. You really feel the atmosphere and get to know the characters. I'm still in the second chapter, but can't wait to read more. Ivo Stourton's 'The night climbers' is named somewhere online as a book the fans of Tartt might enjoy. I haven't read it yet, but one of the descriptions on it's cover is 'The Secret History' meets Ian McEwan. (haven't read McEwan either btw) Both books were mentioned somewhere as possible reads for people who enjoyed reading 'The Hidden' of Tobias Hill, I was comparing my opinion of that 'The Hidden' with others online when it's review brought me to Tartt and Stourton. Other than that you might try Proust. His life work examines in detail and excellent use of language every sort of dynamics when people interact with each other, it doesn't have much of a plot though, but his writing is mesmerizing. Btw, I was hoping to find a thread with an interesting discussion about 'The Secret History' when I came on this forum, surely there has to be one and I just didn't find it? Edited March 5, 2014 by sadya Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janet Posted March 5, 2014 Share Posted March 5, 2014 There is a whole Reading Circle devoted to it, Sadya http://www.bookclubforum.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/12453-january-2014-rc-the-secret-history-by-donna-tartt/?p=377327 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heffalumpi Posted March 21, 2014 Share Posted March 21, 2014 You might like the book Shadow Year by Hannah Richell, it reminded me of The Secret History when reading it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.